Yesterday, on September 27th, First Graphene, a producer of graphene, announced a supply deal with Halocell Energy, an Australian manufacturer of perovskite solar cells, to supply a novel coating product.

As per the terms of the two-year contract, First Graphene will provide its PureGRAPH product to be integrated into Halocell’s perovskite solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. The collaboration aims to enhance the light-absorbing properties of the cells, facilitating the expansion of commercial production for Halocell.

The coating is expected to be utilized in Halocell’s forthcoming indoor perovskite solar photovoltaic (PV) cell module, which will be their inaugural product in the market. This module is designed to harness renewable energy and can be used to charge a variety of small electronic devices.

Graphene presents itself as an alternative choice for solar cells, offering a range of enhancement capabilities. With its outstanding electrical conductivity and thermal characteristics, graphene holds promise for enhancing energy conversion efficiency in solar cell technology.

The manufacturer asserts that the graphene-enhanced modules are five times more efficient than traditional silicon solar cells. First Graphene further highlights that these solar cells are not only more cost-effective but also have the potential to reduce manufacturing expenses by over 80%. This is achieved by eliminating the need for expensive conductor materials like gold and silver.

Halocell announced that the launch of its initial indoor perovskite solar cell module for commercial use is imminent.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is actively supporting the advancement of ultra-low-cost solar technology in the country to facilitate the expansion of renewable energy. ARENA proposes a ’30-30-30′ target for solar energy, which entails achieving 30% module efficiency and an installed cost of 30 cents per watt by 2030. This ambitious goal aims to position Australia as a leading renewable energy powerhouse. Additionally, the objective includes achieving a levelized cost of electricity below AUS$20 (US$13.75) per megawatt-hour by 2030.

A collaborative effort between First Graphene, Halocell Energy, and Queensland University of Technology is underway to explore and develop graphene formulations that enable the utilization of roll-to-roll dispersion. This production technique offers a fast, scalable, and cost-effective method for manufacturing photovoltaic (PV) solar cells.

Paul Moonie, the CEO of Halocell Energy, expressed his enthusiasm for the supply agreement with First Graphene, emphasizing that it represents a notable advancement for Halocell in the development of state-of-the-art PV solar cells.

Moonie added, “Through the utilization of First Graphene’s advanced graphene formulations, we have the opportunity to refine particle size and surface chemistry, ultimately improving the efficiency and scalability of our solar cells. Incorporating these domestically sourced materials into our roll-to-roll production process facilitates cost-effective and swift manufacturing, poised to revolutionize the solar industry in Australia.”